AN AUSTRALIAN man has been arrested in connection with an unprovoked attack on two women from Cardiff in Dublin city centre.

AN AUSTRALIAN man has been arrested in connection with an unprovoked attack on two women from Cardiff in Dublin city centre.

The pair, aged 64 and 48, were attacked by a man as they walked from a pub to their hotel with their husbands. Both women were knocked to the ground and kicked and punched around the face and head.

It is believed the group may have been followed by the attacker.

They were treated for severe facial injuries and shock at the city's St James' Hospital after the vicious attack at 11pm on Sunday.

They had been due to return to Cardiff yesterday but will have to stay in the city to help police with their inquiries. Officers said the attack was unprovoked and robbery was not though to

An Australian man, aged 33, was arrested on O'Connell Street last night and was being questioned at Pearse Street Garda Station this morning.

Garda Detective Sergeant Mark Cavanagh said this morning: "The women are be a motive.

still in Dublin but out of hospital. They are doing well but still in shock after their ordeal. They have quite bad facial injuries. They are going to be here for the next day or two because they will need to help with our inquiries.

"This was an unusual incident for Dublin because it was totally unprovoked and they were with their husbands."